Day mediates between an independent Smith and Oregon Republicans

MINNEAPOLIS -- Oregon Democrats have complained loudly about U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith's campaign touting the Republican's work with high-profile Democrats in Washington.

Smith has spent much time and energy, and plenty of money running commercials touting his work with Democratic Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), instead of Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) or John McCain (R-Ariz.).

But the quieter drama that has played out behind the scenes has been what Oregon Republicans, Smith's base, feel about Smith running on his bipartisanship. Some supporters, especially those backing McCain in the presidential contest, have grumbled about the Smith strategy.

When conservatives in the Republican Party have turned their ire toward Smith (R-Pendleton), Oregon Republican Party chairman Vance Day has been there to hold the party together.

"There are some folks in the Republican Party that are perturbed with Gordon because he is independent and he's spoken his mind," Day said. "I've seen some people get cranky. I end up mediating, but if I think someone is out of line I will call them out on it."

Day said that while Smith has had to face attacks from Democrats, and to a lesser extent from Republicans, about the work he has done with Democratic Senators in Washington, one thing has been lost in the argument: Smith is a public servant trying to do what he feels is best for Oregon.

"I think that what doesn't get on the air is his heart," Day said. "Heart is important, and it's hard to get all that out in the TV commercials. But Gordon is a man who is passionate about Oregon first."

Day also said that while Smith may draw the ire of more extreme members in the Oregon Republican Party, other voters recognize that he is a man of moderation. That, Day says, is why Smith has won in the past and why he will win again in November.

"He's a centrist in the traditional Oregon way," Day said. "And moderates will see that at the end of the race he is on the right side of issues they know are important."